DoI 2017 - Focus on Immunoglobulin E - Allergy

Make it YOUR day!

History

The first Day of Immunology (DoI) was held on April 29th, 2005. It was brought to life by the European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS) in order to strengthen the public awareness of immunology as a basis for individual health and well-being.

We noticed that although public interest in health issues is high, people without a scientific background often miss the relevance of immunological research and findings. Moreover, scientists are rarely encouraged to explore in the art of public relations, and consequently face difficulties conveying their knowledge to an audience outside the scientific community. Our aim was to create a bridge between our growing understanding of the immune system and informing the public and individual patients, in order to improve health and well-being in general.

Since 2005, the Day of Immunology has been the occasion to gather European scientists to bring immunology to the public. Due to its great success, it has been celebrated worldwide since 2007.

Japanese immunologists, for example, focused on activities for public and high school students in 2008: The Japanese Society for Immunology published an entertaining and educational book on immunology suitable for children as their DoI 2008 outreach campaign, Your Amazing Immune System. EFIS published the English translation of the book for the DoI 2009, to make it available free-of-charge to a greater readership in Europe.

For the DoI 2011, EFIS released a virtual web exhibition for the general public - www.inside-immunity.org. Help us to publish the exhibition translated to other languages as well, to bring immunological awareness to the public in your country.

The success of Your Amazing Immune System in English prompted EFIS to establish a translation support program in 2011, and, in 2012, the release of an interactive educational web adaptation www.interactive-immunity.net. The website includes quizzes and games, printable content, further reading and full .pdf versions available for downloading of Your Amazing Immune System of the 19 translations thus far produced.